BRIAN KERR's remarkable Republic of Ireland under20s will meet reigning champions Argentina in the semifinals of the World Youth Championship in Kuching, Malaysia, on Wednesday morning after making Irish soccer history by beating Spain in yesterday's quarterfinal.
It is the first time that an Irish team has advanced this far in a major soccer championship at any level and is especially noteworthy as this side was given little or no chance of even qualifying from their group, let alone going this far, due to a string of withdrawals from the original squad Kerr had hoped to bring to Malaysia.
A 51st minute penalty by Trevor Molloy brought Kerr's team their little piece of history in the Shah Alam stadium yesterday afternoon as they ran out worthy 10 winners over a very talented Spanish side who were expected to be capable of going all the way.
Whatever happens on Wednesday, Ireland are guaranteed another match, even if it is only the third/fourth place playoff.
Though the players have done it on the pitch, all credit is due to Kerr who only took charge of the FAI's youth teams in February. The former St Patrick's Athletic manager will return home next weekend and immediately set about preparing the under18 squad for the UEFA finals in Iceland which begins on July 24th.
For the moment, Kerr will wallow in the glow of this latest success in his managerial career. "There's more than a few tears being shed by everyone," was Kerr's immediate, emotional reaction soon after the final whistle.
"I tell you what, I really don't know what to say. It's an unbelievable feeling. Just incredible."
Later, while a trifle more composed, he added: "It was a very difficult match for us. An amazing performance by all the players and all the staff. Argentina we'll worry about tomorrow. It's reasonable for us to rest on our laurels tonight. It's an amazing story for Irish football.
"Just the thought of being in the semi finals of the World Cup is mind boggling. It's fabulous and certainly the greatest day of my footballing life."
